John Richardson, 66, of Laguna Niguel, California, defeated
James Kite, Jr., of Wolftown, Virginia, 5 and 4, at Saucon
Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Richardson also
was the medalist, shooting three-over-par 145 and becoming
the first golfer to win the medal and the championship in
the same year since Ed Updegraff in 1981.

Despite his impressive play, Richardson was tested often
on his way to the championship. He trailed 1982 champion Alton
Duhon by two holes through 13 before coming back to win on
the 19th. He later defeated 1986 runner-up John Harbottle
and three-time champion Lew Oehmig.

Kite, a lefthander, was stretched to the 17th hole or further
in each of his first four matches. His most decisive victory
came in the semi-finals where he ousted George Holland, 6
and 5.

In the final, Richardson played superbly and held a 4-up
advantage through nine holes. A birdie at the 12th increased
the margin to five holes and Richardson held that lead for
a 5-and 4-victory. The USGA accepted 1,465 entries for the
championship.

Championship Facts

PAR AND YARDAGE – Beverly Country Club will play at 6,654/6,672 yards and a par of 36-35—71.

ARCHITECT – Beverly Country Club was designed by George O’Neil and opened in 1908. Donald Ross redesigned the course in 1918. A renovation of the course, guided by golf course architect Ron Prichard, was completed in 2008.

COURSE AND SLOPE RATING – The USGA Course Rating® for the Senior Amateur at Beverly Country Club is 72.7 and USGA Slope Rating® is 133.

USGA AND ILLINOIS – The 2009 USGA Senior Amateur will be the 57th championship conducted in the state of Illinois, ranking it fourth among states hosting the most USGA championships. The last USGA championship in the state was the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links at Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton. The Senior Amateur is making its fifth appearance in Illinois (1962, 1973, 1979, 1998).